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Fri, 09 Dec 2016 21:43:58 -0600Joomla! - Open Source Content Managementen-gbThis Is Living by Cormac Keneveyhttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/jazz-vocals-cd-reviews/this-is-living-by-cormac-kenevey.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/jazz-vocals-cd-reviews/this-is-living-by-cormac-kenevey.htmlThis Is Living is Cormac Kenevey's debut CD. This vocalist out of Ireland has put together a collection of songs designed to display the quality of his voice an…

This Is Living is Cormac Kenevey's debut CD. This vocalist out of Ireland has put together a collection of songs designed to display the quality of his voice and his interpretative skills. There are some familiar standards, some songs that have not been overexposed and three original pieces by Cormac Kenevey -- making for an interesting mix. The Phil Ware Trio backs him up, along with the addition of horns on some of the tracks.

On "We've Got A World That Swings," Kenevey sings the first chorus and then scats a second one. This is followed by Karl Ronan's trombone work with solos by Danny Healy on trumpet and Robert Geraghty on tenor sax. Alternating solos by bassist Dave Redmond and drummer Kevin Brady lead back into a final vocal chorus by Kenevey in a traditional format. Kenevey's sensitive vocal on "I Was Telling Her About You" is embellished with a conversational trombone solo by Karl Ronan and some perfectly placed piano fills by Phil Ware.

Kenevey's interesting and swinging rendition of "No Moon At All" begins with his vocal accompanied by a counterpoint melody played by Robert Geraghty on bass clarinet. Kenevey continues with a scat chorus and then comes Geraghty's bass clarinet solo. The track ends as it begins with Kenevey's vocal and Geraghty's bass clarinet. "You Call It Jogging" is a fun tune, done uptempo with a rhythm and blues feel. The next three songs are all originals; each one very different. "Movies" is a traditional, pretty ballad with a straightforward vocal and a lovely piano solo by Phil Ware. "Just A Day" features narration over vocal layering. "Domestic Bliss" is a blues without lyrics, on which Kenevey scats the melody. Drummer Kevin Brady does a tasty solo with brushes on this one.

"It Could Happen To You" and "I'm Through With Love" both receive a fine reading from Kenevey. The former contains a sax solo by Robert Geraghty and the latter is done with just the trio and has a winning piano solo by Phil Ware. "There'll Be Some Changes Made" is an uptempo number with the rhythm section and horns accompanying Kenevey's vocal and scat chorus. Everybody swings on this one. "Tell Me The Truth" is a protest song written by Jon Hendricks with additional lyrics by Kenevey. This is a mover which builds in intensity and is fueled by Healy's trumpet solo, Ware's piano solo and Kenevey's vocal. The final track is Carolyn Leigh and Cy Coleman's "I Walk A Little Faster," which Kenevey does with sensitivity and also features some more of Ware's fine piano work.

Cormac Kenevey's voice is a young voice with a fresh, pure quality. He knows how to use his voice as an instrument on his scat choruses. Although he is still in his twenties, he exhibits the ability to handle a mature reading of lyrics. There is sincerity and imagination in his delivery. This is CD that can be played and enjoyed more than once.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Jazz Vocals - CD ReviewsThu, 05 May 2005 19:00:00 -0500Distance by Brian Patneaude Quartethttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/straight-ahead-classic-cd-reviews/distance-by-brian-patneaude-quartet.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/straight-ahead-classic-cd-reviews/distance-by-brian-patneaude-quartet.htmlSaxophonist Brian Patneaude has recorded as a sideman on many CDs. Distance is the second CD where he appears as a leader. Active in the Capita…

Saxophonist Brian Patneaude has recorded as a sideman on many CDs. Distance is the second CD where he appears as a leader. Active in the Capital District of New York State, Patneaude performs, teaches and writes. He has written all of the compositions on this CD.

Starting off with "Change" (in bossa nova tempo), Patneaude states the melody, closely followed by a swinging guitar solo by George Muscatello. Patneaude romps through his sax solo and next in line is Ryan Lucas's solo on bass. Patneaude then reiterates the melody. "Release" is a piece with a long melodic line over rhythmic figures played by the bass and drums. Muscatello's flowing guitar solo is followed by Patneaude's sax solo which "talks to you." The next two tracks, "Inspiration" and "Alone," are ballads. "Inspiration" has a pretty melodic line and features a fender rhodes solo by Dave Payette as well as inventive, delicate drumwork by Danny Whelchel. Patneaude's sax intro on "Alone" fades into Lucas's guitar solo, after which Patneaude plays a sensitive sax solo appropriate for this mournful sounding piece. "Red" is fast-paced and features some frantic horn work and a quickly moving bass solo by Lucas. The title song "Distance" is a moody ballad with some delicate keyboard soloing by Dave Payette and a sultry sax solo by Patneaude. The last track is the longest. It runs a little over eleven minutes and is appropriately titled "Unending." It is an uptempo track and is nicely constructed with the use of a bass and drum riff that sets off each of the solos. Each member of the group has a chance to stretch out on their solos on this one. The track fades out with a repetitive riff on the saxophone.

This CD has some interesting moments and bears listening to more than once. The Brian Patneaude Quartet has a lot to say.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Straight-Ahead - CD ReviewsSat, 30 Apr 2005 19:00:00 -0500Amos Lee by Amos Leehttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/jazz-vocals-cd-reviews/amos-lee-by-amos-lee.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/jazz-vocals-cd-reviews/amos-lee-by-amos-lee.htmlAmos Lee is a singer/songwriter out of Philadelphia. He has opened shows for singers such as Bob Dylan, BB King and Norah Jones. He is influenced by Bill Withers, Stevie…

Amos Lee is a singer/songwriter out of Philadelphia. He has opened shows for singers such as Bob Dylan, BB King and Norah Jones. He is influenced by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder and Dave Van Ronk, but mostly by the folk idiom. His style of music might be called "urban" folk, but it certainly is not jazz.

Amos Lee's songs are about relationships and life experiences. The songs feature his voice and his acoustic guitar. There are different instrumental configurations on each track, but the sound is basically simple and spare. "Bottom of the Barrel" is bluegrass in feeling, while "Give It Up" and "Love In The Lies" lean toward rhythm and blues. The two latter tracks feature some driving work on the Hammond B3 organ by Devin Greenwood. Special guest Norah Jones plays piano on "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight" and also plays Wurlitzer, piano and does background vocals on "Colors."

Since all of the songs on this CD are original, it is difficult to comment on interpretation. The writing and the delivery of the material, however, is reminiscent of James Taylor. The CD package includes a brochure with the lyrics written in what can be assumed is Amos Lee's handwriting.

Amos Lee has a pleasant voice. He tells his stories in a forthright and easy manner. It would be interesting to hear what he might do with other writers' material.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Jazz Vocals - CD ReviewsSat, 30 Apr 2005 13:00:00 -0500Llanita by Almeida Girl & Descargahttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/latin-jazz-/-latin-funk-cd-reviews/llanita-by-almeida-girl-descarga.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/latin-jazz-/-latin-funk-cd-reviews/llanita-by-almeida-girl-descarga.htmlThis debut album by a 9 piece band from Manchester, England was first released in May of 2004 and has found its way across the pond. It has a Latin sound complete with b…

This debut album by a 9 piece band from Manchester, England was first released in May of 2004 and has found its way across the pond. It has a Latin sound complete with brass section and requisite percussion plus a lead vocalist by the name of Kirsty Almeida who hails from Gibraltar. Kirsty Almeida has a powerful voice which she knows how to use, sings in English and Spanish and (wonder of wonders) has great diction. The band has talented soloists and provides a driving rhythm behind the vocals.

There are two familiar songs on this CD - "Nature Boy" and "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". The rest of the material is original with music and lyrics by Kirsty Almeida and bassist Matt Owens, with the exception of "Soy Nervioso" which was written by pianist Andrej Baranek. The group also writes their own arrangements.

The first track, "Barfly", is an original with background bar noises. It is a mambo with an English and a Spanish vocal. "Nature Boy", the Nat Cole hit .is given a salsa treatment, starting off with Almeida's English vocal accompanied by conga drum and followed by an instrumental chorus. The Spanish vocal on this leads into timbale and trumpet solos. Then back to the English lyric with the last verse done as a finale chorus. "Llanita" has an English lyric with a very singable melody. "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", the Gladys Knight & The Pips hit, lends itself very well to a salsa beat. The vocal is done in English, followed by Neil Yeats' tasty trumpet solo and then the whole band joins in. "Mi Loca" is another original and done in a mambo tempo. "Chiquilla" has a vocal in Spanish only and is a mambo as well. It features a conga solo by Hugh Lawrence and jazz riffs by the brass section. "Soy Nervioso" is a cha cha written by the band's pianist, Andrej Baranek who takes a solo on this track. The piano solo is an interesting combination of jazz and latin styles and the song has some very interesting chord changes. "Kabee-ehseele" is another original that has an English vocal for the verse and a chorus sung in Spanish. The vocal is interspersed with horn breaks and the rhythm changes when the Spanish lyrics are introduced. This track features a multitude of percussion instruments including steel drum. The last track, "Unconditional", is a love song done in a bolero tempo. It is sung beautifully by Kirsty Almeida in English.

Almeida Girl & Descarga has a fresh sound featuring exciting Latin rhythms, good solos and a lead vocalist who has a powerful and compelling voice. And, in addition, you can dance to everything on this CD.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Latin Jazz / Latin Funk - CD ReviewsThu, 03 Mar 2005 18:00:00 -0600Bobby Darin Live ! At The Desert Inn by Bobby Darinhttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/other-cd-reviews/bobby-darin-live-at-the-desert-inn-by-bobby-darin.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/other-cd-reviews/bobby-darin-live-at-the-desert-inn-by-bobby-darin.htmlBobby Darin Live! at the Desert Inn was originally recorded in 1971 and it shows off what an outstanding performer Bobby Darin was. Darin could sing just about anything …

Bobby Darin Live! at the Desert Inn was originally recorded in 1971 and it shows off what an outstanding performer Bobby Darin was. Darin could sing just about anything and the assortment of material and styles on this CD covers the gamut.

"Save The Country" is a high energy opener which features an 'a capella' section which few singers would dare to do. The song is protest oriented and has a powerful message. "Mack The Knife" was a hit record for Darin and considering how many times he had to sing it, this rendition has the freshness and spontaneity of being done for the first time. Darin has fun with the lyrics and the arrangement starts off quietly and builds into a full orchestra accompaniment and Darin's vocal builds with the arrangement. "Fire and Rain", the James Taylor song, succumbs to Darin's emotional reading which resounds with the heartbreak told in the lyrics. Darin does it accompanied only by a single acoustic guitar. "Hi De Ho" is a blues rocker which also features a harmonica solo by Darin and the backing of the Jeannie Thomas Singers....and it does rock. The Beatles medley track consists of songs that blend easily into each other and Darin's reading of the songs testifies to his admiration of The Beatles, whom he called "the four wizards from Liverpool". "Higher and Higher" is another rocker. Then the pace changes as the next track is "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" which is done in a country feel with a folk guitar backing. "If I Were A Carpenter" was another hit record for Darin and he does it here featuring a haunting flute solo. "Simple Song Of Freedom" shows off one more facet of Bobby Darin's multi-talents. This is a song that he wrote and it is a protest against the then raging Viet Nam war. There was an encore at this live performance and it consisted of a rock and roll medley which included Darin's first big hit "Splish Splash".

In addition to the music in this performance, some of Darin's in-between monologue is included. This gives a glimpse of his personality and, especially, his sense of humor. And as an extra added attraction, there are two previously unreleased tracks included. "Work Song" is the Tennessee Ernie Ford hit which Darin interprets with the minimum amount of accompaniment. "Beyond The Sea" is the other track and Darin swings this one with his vocal floating over the playing of the band.

Darin's choice of material here sends a message of peace, love, freedom and human dignity. These values are just as important today as they were when this performance was recorded. And it is Bobby Darin's talent that is still alive in this reissue....a consummate performer who had a vocal range and a sensibility that allowed him to sing any kind of song and touch his audiences.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Other - CD ReviewsFri, 11 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0600With A Little Help From Our Friends by BeatleJazzhttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/straight-ahead-classic-cd-reviews/with-a-little-help-from-our-friends-by-beatlejazz.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/straight-ahead-classic-cd-reviews/with-a-little-help-from-our-friends-by-beatlejazz.htmlThe third CD by BeatleJazz continues their innovative journey through The Beatles' song catalog. All of the material is by The Beatles with the exception of the last tra…

The third CD by BeatleJazz continues their innovative journey through The Beatles' song catalog. All of the material is by The Beatles with the exception of the last track, "Chains", which was penned by Gerald Goffin and Carole King.

The first track, "Yes It Is", features a delicate piano solo by Dave Kikoski played against a percussive pattern on the tabla by Brian Melvin. "Piggies" is uptempo and starts with the bass playing of Larry Grenadier. Also heard are John Scofield on guitar and Dave Kikoski, this time on synthesizer, and some good drum punctuations by Brian Melvin. "Imagine" is a slow ballad interpreted by Randy Brecker on muted trumpet. It is a soulful interpretation which really shows what a beautiful song this is. Dave Kikoski's creative chord changes and his piano solo adds to this outstanding track. "Strawberry Fields Forever" has a Mozart feel and includes bowed bass work by Larry Grenadier. "I Will" spotlights John Scofield on guitar and turns out to be a love song full of yearning. Mike Brecker's sax takes the lead on "Working Class Hero". He plays the melody plaintively and then heads into an emotionally charged solo which includes plenty of interplay between himself and Dave Kikoski on piano. Brian Melvin's drumwork shines on this track as well. "Hard Day's Night" is uptempo and funky and features Dave Kikoski on synthesizer. "Across The Universe" finds Kikoski back on piano, playing with a wistful quality accompanied by Melvin's brushwork on drums. "Lovely Rita" displays a number of different piano styles by Dave Kikoski with a bass solo by Larry Grenadier. "And I Love Her" is done with a latin beat and features Mike Stern on guitar. "The End" (from The Beatles' "Abbey Road" album) shows off Dave Kikoski's piano technique and a strong drum and bass presence. The last track, "Chains", is a bluesy study with piano, bass and drums.

There is something special on each track of this CD. But, most of all, what is exciting is the idea of taking popular song material and touching it with the spontaneity and creativity of jazz. And there are many more songs in The Beatles' catalog!

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Straight-Ahead - CD ReviewsThu, 10 Feb 2005 18:00:00 -0600Bloom by Jeff Coffin Mu'tethttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/fusion-cd-reviews/bloom-by-jeff-coffin-mu-tet.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/fusion-cd-reviews/bloom-by-jeff-coffin-mu-tet.htmlA lot of different flowers bloom in Jeff Coffin's garden...and not a weed among them. This CD is a collection of different styles and features a lot of different personnel …

A lot of different flowers bloom in Jeff Coffin's garden...and not a weed among them. This CD is a collection of different styles and features a lot of different personnel from track to track. Jeff Coffin had to coin the word "Mu'tet" (which is a mutation of the word "mutation") to describe the group in total.

The first two tracks are traditional New Orleans. "Move Your Rug" marches through the streets and "Better Do Your Thing" evokes the image of several bands meeting in the French Quarter where the music comes out of the street beneath your feet. "The Evil Boweevil" is a bluesy affair with Coffin using a harmonizer with his tenor sax. Coffin plays around with interesting time signatures on "The Mad Hatter Rides Again" which is a funky James Brown kind of offering. "Circle of Wills" is a circular melody with no solos and a small group sound consisting of sax, guitar, acoustic bass and drums. "Hatim" also has a complicated time signature and features double soprano saxes and Bela Fleck on banjo.

The title track, "Bloom" is in 5/4 and has the W.O. Smith Community Music School Choir singing the very pretty melody. Also featured on this is good piano solo by Tyler Wood and an intriguing banjo solo by Bela Fleck. "Old Jack Craw" features Pat Bergeson on slide guitar and has a gospel feel. "As Light Through Leaves" finds Coffin on double duty doing vocals and playing flute. It also features a mandolin solo which adds a different sound to the ensemble. The last track "Wobble" has the melody in one time signature and the rhythm section in another. There are two bass players on this one.

As you can tell, this CD has something for everyone. It is all good music no matter what the style. And the use of so many different personnel on different instruments creates many interesting colors just as in a beautiful, blooming garden.

This latest effort by Chick Corea is a concept piece. It is inspired by L. Ron Hubbard's science fiction novel "To The Stars". Chick Corea has been a long time fan of LBH's work and it has been his dream to compose his own musical vision of this novel.

The journey starts off appropriately with "Check Blast", which is sort of an overture with the band trading solos. The tracks titled "Port View" and numbered 1 through 7 are all very short and are very visual. You can easily imagine looking through a window of a space ship and watching the stars and planets disappearing in the distance as you travel. "Mistress Luck--A Portrait" and "Mistress Luck--The Party" are both Latin flavored. The first has almost a rumba beat and a lyrical melody that is stated by the piano. The second sounds like a fast mambo with an energy-filled sax solo. "Johnny's Landing" starts with a fanfare and continues with keyboard, guitar, sax and drum solos. "Alan Corday" has a flamenco-like feel and features a guitar solo and an excellent bass solo. "Hound Of Heaven" is the name of the space ship and the track is quite a happy one with a Latin tempo and the feeling of a party on board. "The Long Passage" is slow in tempo and features the "vocal choir" singing the melody. The three tracks which pertain to Jocelyn are a description of the man. As a commander, there is a feeling of mystery and aloofness in the melody. The tribute section is short and has a melody played by the entire group. The last track entitled "Jocelyn--The Pianist" is a piano solo by Corea which is both plaintive and meditative.

The imaginative compositions are all written by Chick Corea. And the Electrik Band is a perfect ensemble to interpret it. It would add an extra dimension to be familiar with the novel, but it is not necessary. The music and the performances can stand alone. The work might do well as a music score for a film of the novel. In the meantime, it is an exciting voyage to the stars as it is.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Contemporary Jazz - CD ReviewsThu, 08 Jul 2004 07:08:33 -0500Give by The Bad Plushttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/fusion-cd-reviews/give-by-the-bad-plus.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/fusion-cd-reviews/give-by-the-bad-plus.htmlGive is the second outing for The Bad Plus, a group that combines a lot of styles....not all of which are jazz. As a matter of fact, their drummer David King has been quote…

Give is the second outing for The Bad Plus, a group that combines a lot of styles....not all of which are jazz. As a matter of fact, their drummer David King has been quoted as saying "...we never thought of ourselves as a jazz band...." Perhaps a more appropriate style description for this group would be "contemporary chamber music."

The group is very tightly knit, consider themselves good friends and are devoted to playing music together. All three members write original material and have contributed tracks to this CD. "1979 Semi-Finalist", which is a wonderfully melancholic comment, "Frog and Toad" and "Layin' A Strip For The Higher-Self State Line" were written by drummer David King. "And Here We Test Our Powers of Observation", "Dirty Blonde" and "Neptune (The Planet)" were all written by bassist Reid Anderson. And pianist Ethan Iverson is responsible for "Cheney Pinata" and "Do Your Sums--Die Like A Dog--Play For Home". The rest of the tracks are covers by The Pixies ("Velouria"), Ornette Coleman ("Street Woman") and Black Sabbath ("Iron Man").

The group has approached each of the tracks differently so there is no overall style, but a sense of enjoyment permeates the entire CD. "Layin' A Strip For The Higher-Self State Line" has a humorous feel from the boogie-woogie era that swings. "Iron Man" features Ethan Iverson with his left hand playing a de-tuned upright piano and his right hand playing a Steinway. It makes for an interesting sound.

Take each track separately. There's something for everyone in this CD. Most of all, there's three guys having a lot of fun playing all the different kinds of music they want.

]]>morrice.blackwell@gmail.com (Marcia Hillman)Fusion - CD ReviewsWed, 07 Jul 2004 03:08:30 -0500Emerge and See by Tricyclehttp://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/folk-jazz-cd-reviews/emerge-and-see-by-tricycle.html
http://www.jazzreview.com/cd-reviews/folk-jazz-cd-reviews/emerge-and-see-by-tricycle.htmlThis is the debut CD from Tricycle, a four piece band from Toronto. The music they make falls somewhere between folk, jazz and bluegrass. The bluegrass feel is mostly becau…

This is the debut CD from Tricycle, a four piece band from Toronto. The music they make falls somewhere between folk, jazz and bluegrass. The bluegrass feel is mostly because of the banjo lead by Jayme Stone, who does things with the instrument that displays a versatility few associate with the banjo. The four members of this group have individually played in a variety of styles, but they work beautifully together in this initial release effort.

Each track has something special, but they are all anchored by the banjo work and the interplay between Stone on banjo and Manaugh on guitar. The first track features a bright trumpet solo by guest artist Gordon Allen. "Murmur" has the banjo playing the melody which is followed by bongo and bass solos. The title track "emerge and see" features guitar work by Kevin Manaugh. "Capetown" has a folky sound from the banjo with drum work by Kevin Coady sounding like an Irish dance. "Bedouin Blues" is right out of the middle east with banjo and guitar solos. "Sing It Right..." has more trumpet work by Allen and "The Roads We Know" features bow work by Stone and sensitive solos by Manaugh on guitar and Mathew on bass. "The Unseen" is appropriately haunting and "Four Strikes" has more outstanding banjo and guitar solos with the bass and drums jamming together, culminating in the whole group jamming together to take it on out. The last track "You Still Hear" has a repetitive figure which builds in intensity to the last note.

The compositions are all original, all written by Jayme Stone with the exception of tracks 5, 8 and 10 written by Kevin Manaugh and track 11 written by Tricycle.

The group obviously enjoys playing together and makes joyful music. If you want to take an enjoyable musical trip, go by Tricycle.